Topics Include:
During her most recent trip to Ireland Stephanie stayed at several newly established hotels as well as some classic well kept secrets. She was pleasantly surprised by her stay at the Lough Eske Castle. Stephanie had known the castle when it was in ruins. Though the outer shell of the building displayed stunning architecture it was still in need of major renovations. The castle was bought by Solis Hotels and Resorts and has been completely revitalized. Stephanie says it is modern and lovely but captures all that one could want in a castle stay.
For more information visit http://www.solislougheskecastle.ie/
Contrary to popular opinion Stephanie has found that many Americans are in fact traveling. She met a Minnesota native, Mary Ryan Fenske, at the Ballyvara House in County Clare. Mary Ryan was in Ireland with her 18 yearold son in honor of his high school graduation. The mother and son saw as much of the southern part of the country as they could in 12 days and can’t wait to visit again. Mary Ryan said the highlights of the trip were meeting Stephanie and seeing the Dingle Peninsula, an area in the southwest corner of Ireland.
The Dingle Peninsula is notorious for its narrow (and subsequently dangerous) roads; an unnerving experience for any driver. Fenske said that it was not a problem and she and her son also drove through Connor’s Pass. The Minnesota visitors were overtaken by the area’s beauty and stayed in Dingle two nights and three days. Overall their trip was spectacular and afforded them the opportunity to stay in six very different types of accommodations.
For more information visit http://www.atlantisholidaygroup.ie/
The Ballyvara House in County Clare is owned by hoteliers Rebecca and John Flanagan. The two also own McHugh’s Bar in Liscannor, Ireland. It was formerly a grocery store/bar established by proprietor Joseph McHugh. The bar is the physical birthplace of the Irish-born inventor of the submarine, John Philip Holland. Locals are currently working to develop a heritage museum built around Holland’s life and work. Stephanie also visited the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Ulster American Folk Park during her trip. The later explores the immigration story of the Irish to America. Stephanie also recommends the National Museum of Ireland’s Country Life Museum, located at Turlough Park in Castlebar, County Mayo. The Country Life Museum houses Ireland’s foremost “Folklife” collection, which is comprised of objects that represent traditional ways of life in Ireland since 1850.
For more information visit http://www.museum.ie/
Click here to see more pictures of the Ulster American Folk Park.
Stephanie asks Mary to post pictures of her trip on Sabrams.com. Guests can post as many as 5,000 pictures to the online gallery.
Another property in the Flanagan's Atlantis Hotel Group is the Burren Coast Hotel. There Stephanie met an Irish-born professor who teaches Irish language at the University of Montana. Stephanie said that he had to get in touch with Dearbhill Stadun who alongside her husband established a cultural center in County Galway. The Cnoc Suain Centre is a unique window into Irish/Gaelic culture and heritage. It is located on 200 acres on Cnoc Hill, the town land of an Irish/Gaelic speaking area 3 miles north of Spiddal. It is 20 minutes from the village to Galway City.
The Cnoc Suain Cultural Centre offers of range of educational programs which include residential projects as well as two hour and half day craft tours. The aim of the founders is to promote local culture while not compromising the authenticity or integrity of Irish heritage. Visitors can learn from an in-depth perspective (residential education) or from a general level (day visitor). Resident cottages date back to 1691 though they now come with the standard modern amenities.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317
For more information visit http://www.cnocsuain.com/
Milwaukee’s Irish Fest begins August 13, 2009 and continues through the 16th. General Manager of the Milwaukee Pfister Hotel Joe Kurth is offering “friends and fans” of Stephanie Abrams a special rate of $159 USD per room plus taxes. Stephanie will be broadcasting live from the lobby of the hotel.
For more information visit http://thepfisterhotel.com/ or call 414-390-3800
Guests Include:
Mary Ryan Fenske, Traveler from Minnesota.
Dearbhaill Standun, Co-founder and Executive Director, Cnoc Suain Cultural Village.
www.cnocsuain.com
